And when we took our first walk-through, we had the sense that we'd found something special--and lasting.

The next thing we knew, we were deep into a series of demolitions, installations, and improvements, and we were frantically trying to score a cord of seasoned wood in the middle of autumn to help us get through the winter.

Our lives have changed entirely (which is one of the reasons the output here at AEB has slowed to a trickle), but they've also improved enormously.

fig. c: sunlight on Vermont 2

The benefits have included space, light, air, forest, mountains, lakes, wildlife, water, stars, fields, and peace, as well as an enlarged sense of community. With closer access to Vermont's local farmers' markets and co-ops, and direct access to farm-fresh eggs, dairy, produce, and meat, we actually feel as though we've been eating better than ever.

fig. d: AEB raisin rye

Eventually, when we get "...an endless banquet" back on track, you'll probably notice a very different sensibility at work--one that's still got a foot firmly planted in the City, but one which is increasingly oriented toward the Country.